Report: 1 in 9 of historic English churches at risk
Published: Jun 30, 2010 02:17 Updated: Jun 30, 2010 02:17
LONDON: About one in nine of England's historically important places of worship are in a bad state of repair, and rural churches tend to be in worse shape than ones in cities, according to research released Wednesday by a conservation group.
According to a sample survey by English Heritage, 11 percent of England's 14,500 listed houses of worship were potentially at risk. A building that has been listed is considered to be historically important and is protected by law.
In rural areas, 13 percent of the houses of worship needed attention, compared to 9 percent of those in cities.
English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley said they estimated that about 925 million pounds (about $1.4 billion) worth of repairs would be necessary for the buildings in the next five years. He said that yearly grants of about 40 million pounds ($60 million) help, but that congregations eventually shoulder much of the work — and the cost.
"The current climate of increased unemployment, low interest rates and reduced returns on invested capital make fundraising a greater challenge than ever," Thurley said.
"Some congregations are finding the responsibility harder to bear."
